Apparatus and method for defusing and scrubbing air streams

ABSTRACT

A smoke stack, which discharges contaminated gases, is provided with a plenum chamber, at its end, formed of one or more stacked modules. Each module includes a hollow cylindrical housing, from which protrudes, in various radial directions, a plurality of ducts, each being provided with a nozzle at its end. The nozzle has a central passageway through which a portion of the gases pass and is discharged into the atmosphere, and a second passageway which directs the air around the discharging gases for imparting a swirling action to the commingled gases. An ultra low volume of treatment fluid, usually a liquid chemical, is progressively discharged into the central passageway so that fog is generated as the gases and liquid emerge. Relief valves for the gas discharge into this fog. An accumulator tank at the top of a chamber or a metering pump supplies the liquid. 
     In the process, the stream of contaminated air is subdivided by the ducts and again subdivided by the nozzles, the liquid being fed to the central passageway of the nozzle through which a subdivided portion of air passes. Another subdivided portion of the air causes the mixture emerging from the passageway to swirl. Various treatment liquids are discussed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for treatingcontaminated air and is more particularly concerned with an apparatusand method for treating air which contains toxic chemicals and odorousgases, or dust.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the past, all air scrubbing systems have not had the ability properlyto treat and disburse air. Typical scrubbing systems are either packtowers where the air is distributed through a wetted media with highsurface area, or misting towers, where the air is passed through a mistof chemicals or beds of activated carbon in which the air is passedthrough the bed so that the carbon absorbs the contaminants of the airstream. In some cases, these scrubbers were used in conjunction withnozzles. Where nozzles alone were used, the liquid was introducedthrough the nozzles into a large stream of contaminated air, therebyproviding ribbon affects which left only a portion of the air in atreated condition.

Still other methods of scrubbing included bubbling the air throughliquid so that there was some absorption of the contaminants into theliquid. However, the air trapped in the bubbles remained essentiallyuntreated; therefore, this system was relatively ineffective. Dust inair streams was usually treated using water to wash out the air streamas it passes along a prescribed path. Such washing is usually fairlyexpensive and did not completely remove the dust from the air.

Still other forms of scrubbing, scavenging, washing, and reacting thecontaminated air with chemical compounds exist.

The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the priorart contaminated air treatment devices and methods by providing aninexpensive yet quite efficient process by which the contaminated air isso thoroughly mixed with the liquid with which it is treated that anumber of uniform fog streams are generated which are released inseveral directions to the atmosphere as a plurality of divergingswirling fog streams. The vortexes producing each fog stream cause theliquid, which is initially entrained in the central or primary stream ofair, to be thrown outwardly into the secondary air and therebythoroughly mixed with substantially all of the contaminated air andliquid, essentially uniformly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the apparatus of the present invention includes oneor a plurality of modules which include one or more modules havinghollow tubular housings disposed over a main duct such as an openchimney or stack. Where more than one module is used, the housings arearranged in tandem, with one housing over the next so as to form anextension of the chimney or stack. Each hollow tubular housing issubstantially identical to the other, being preferably a cylindricalmember having latching elements such as flanges at its opposite ends. Aplurality of axially spaced and circumferentially spaced ports areprovided in the sides of each of the housings, each port beingcircumscribed by a fixed sleeve which is internally threaded. Certain ofthe internally threaded sleeves receive the proximal ends of ducts, thedistal ends of which are capped by aerosol nozzles, and then dischargedinto the atmosphere.

In certain embodiments, the uppermost housing is provided with a capwhich contains an accumulator tank or gravity tank to which is supplieda premixed formulation of the liquid treatment chemicals. Thesechemicals are supplied from a supply tank by a metering pump to theaccumulator tank.

Communications with a pair of nozzles from the lower portions of theaccumulator tank are a plurality of supply conduits or tubes throughwhich the liquid is supplied by gravity from the accumulator tank to therespective nozzles. Each supply line or tube is provided with a needlevalve, by which the amount of liquid to be delivered is preset. Over andspaced from each nozzle is an individual air relief valve whichcommunicates with the housing and, when actuated, discharges thecontaminated air into the stream of air which emerges from its nozzle.

Each nozzle is constructed so that a primary portion of the air isdirected through a central passageway in the nozzle and the liquid issupplied radially inwardly into the central primary air stream, so as tobe admixed with it, forming ultra small droplets thoroughly mixed withthe air as the air emerges axially from the center of the nozzle.Certain nozzles have channels for directing the remaining or secondaryair around the central passage and then tangentially toward the emergingcentral stream to impart a swirling action to both the primary andsecondary air.

Other embodiments of the invention include conduits for supplying theliquid directly to the nozzles and other configurations for disposingthe nozzles circumferentially around the housing. The liquid supplied tothe nozzles is suitable for reacting, scrubbing, deodorizing orotherwise decontaminating the treated air. Usually, the admixed liquidand air emerge from each nozzle as a fog.

Noise abatement optionally can be used in connection with the nozzles toreduce the noise caused by the nozzles.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amethod and apparatus for treating contaminated air which apparatus isinexpensive to manufacture, durable in structure and efficient inoperation and the method carried out by the apparatus thoroughlycommingles treatment fluid with the contaminated air so as to dischargedit into the atmosphere as a detoxified, reacted or deodorized air.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fortreating contaminated air, treat it in a subdivided condition withfluids so as thoroughly to subdivide the air and discharge it in aplurality of directions simultaneously thereby dispersing the treatedair with small increments of the fluid contained therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fortreating stack gases with treatment chemicals which will assure uniformand intimate contact of the chemicals with the gases, for thoroughlyadmixing the two together as the stack gases are discharged to theatmosphere.

Anther object of the present invention to provide an apparatus andmethod for treating toxic and odorous gases with treatment chemicals,which apparatus and method will allow visual observation of thetreatment as it is carried out.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process forintermixing toxic and/or odorous gases with treatment liquids in whichthe treatment liquids are reduced to extremely small particles which areuniformly intermixed with the gases, providing more surface area for theabsorption of the chemicals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andprocess for treatment of air streams which will more thoroughly andrapidly treat large volumes of air with minute quantities of liquids.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andprocess for the treatment of stack gases, which reduces to a minimum thecost of treating such stack gases.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fortreating stack gases which can be installed on existing equipment andwhich can be both installed and operated at relatively low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forthe treatment of stack gases which apparatus can be readily and easilyinstalled, removed and increased in capacity as the need for treatmentof the gases varies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod of treating stack gases which will readily and easily meet thestandards currently in effect for deodorizing and detoxifying of gases.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fortreating emerging stack gases, which apparatus is suitable for using avariety of different chemicals which detoxify, neutralize, deodorize,scrub or scavenge the emerging gases.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod for treating a stream of gases in which the amount of liquidemployed to treat the gas can be readily and easily regulated andadmixed with the gases, even though relatively small amounts of theliquid are to be used.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensiveapparatus for mixing liquid with a flow of contaminated air or gases inan efficient manner which is essentially free of complicated equipmentwhich cannot be readily serviced.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andapparatus for treating stack gases which will cause no appreciablecondensation within the stack or the pipelines.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andprocess for treating toxic or odorous gases in which there isappreciably no danger of an explosion and requires no electrical partsin close proximity to the emerging gases.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andapparatus for the static admixing of treatment chemicals and stack gasesutilizing a static mixing system at the point of discharge of the stackgases.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andprocess of treating stack gases with treatment chemicals at a point inwhich the temperature of the stack gases is at a minimum.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andapparatus for treating stack gases which will employ quite dilutedtreatment compounds to thereby obtain better results at less costs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andmethod of treating a stream of air and gases with fluids which can bereadily and easily changed from one treatment to another withoutappreciably altering the apparatus or method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fortreating stack gases wherein units of the apparatus can be individuallycalibrated and adjusted and also evaluated as to their distributioncharacteristics and efficiency.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus fortreating contaminated air with a fluid which apparatus is modules inconstruction, having a few number of parts, interchanged with eachother, and essentially no moving parts.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention becomeapparent from the following description when considered in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of referencedesignate corresponding parts throughout several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for treating gases withtreatment liquids, constructed in accordance with the present invention,certain of the nozzle assemblies thereof being removed for clarity and aportion of the liquid supply being illustrated schematically;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of one of the nozzles depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified form of the apparatusdepicted in FIG. 1, the apparatus being attached to the top of a smokestack;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a modified form of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other portion of the apparatusdepicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 6--6 inFIG. 7 and containing a noise abatement circuit shown schematically; and

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a modified form of a nozzle whichcan be substituted for the nozzles of the embodiments of the precedingfigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now in detail to the embodiments chosen for purpose ofillustrating the present invention, numeral 10 denotes generally one ofthe contaminated air scrubbing modules which is capable of beingarranged in tandem with other similar modules into a module assembly,defining a plenum chamber mounted at the discharge end of an upstandingmain duct or stack 7. Each treatment module 10 includes a hollow,cylindrical tubular housing or casing 11 which is open at both ends. Theends of the housing 11 are provided with outwardly protruding annular,butt flanges 12a and 12b.

In FIG. 1, two modules 10 are shown stacked one on top of the other andarranged concentrically along a vertical axis α, the upper butt flange12b of the lower housing 11 being secured flat against the lower buttflange 12a of the upper housing 11 by bolts 9.

Between the flanges 12a and 12b, each housing 11 is provided with aplurality of circumferentially equally spaced gas discharge ports 13,disposed about 45° apart so that there are usually approximately 8 ports13 in each housing 11. Each discharge port 13 is surrounded by aninternally threaded collar or fitting 14 secured to the housing 11. Eachcollar 14 receives and supports a nozzle assembly which includes ahorizontal radially extending nozzle supporting duct 15 threaded at bothends, the proximal end being threadedly received in the collar 14 andthe distal end threaded receiving a 45° elbow 16. The elbow 16 in turnreceives a short inclined tube or duct 17 which, forms a part of anozzle, denoted generally by numeral 20, seen in FIG. 2.

The nozzles 20 are each ultra low volume (ULV) cold aerosol nozzles of atype which is shown in various Waldron patents such as Waldron U.S. Pat.No. 3,702,306 issued November 1972 and also Waldron U.S. Pat. No.4,992,206 issued Feb. 12, 1991. Characteristic of these Waldron nozzlesand indeed, characteristic of the nozzle 20 depicted in FIG. 2, is thatthe air fed axially to the nozzle is subdivided so that a primaryportion of the air passes through a central cylindrical passageway 21along axis β and the remainder or secondary portion of the air passesaround the axial passageway and inwardly through radially spacedpassageways 19 as shown by arrows in FIG. 2. The nozzle 20 is a productof Lowndes Engineering Company, Inc. of Valdosta, Ga. Hence, only abrief description of the construction and operation of this nozzle 20 isdeemed to be necessary.

In more detail, the nozzle 20, shown best in FIG. 2, has a cup-shapedcircular housing 22 which is disposed coaxially about axis β on the endof the tube or duct 17. This housing 22 carries an annular front plate23 and a centrally located back plate 24, there being provided betweenthe front plate 23 and the back plate 24 a plurality of inwardlydirected arcuate vanes 25 as shown more fully in the Waldron U.S. Pat.No. 3,702,306, which define secondary passageways or channels whichrespectively direct the secondary air portion of the air radiallyinwardly to impinge upon and impart a swirling motion to the primary airemerging from the central straight axial passageway 21 of a nozzlemember 26.

The nozzle member 26 is rearwardly of and concentrically with an annularface plate 37, the outer periphery of which is carried by the innerperiphery of front plate 23. The nozzle member 26 is supported by acentral block 27. The central block 27, in turn, is supported by theinner plate 24 and has a fluid channel 28 through which the treatmentliquid is introduced into an annular liquid reservoir 29 surroundingpassageway 21. A liquid supply pipe 31 communicates with channel 28 andhas a hexagonal head 34 by which pipe 31 is rotated so that its threadsengage the internal threads at its inner end of the inner housing 27. Akeeper plate 35 straddles the hexagonal 34 so as to lock the supply pipe31 in place, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A needle valve 53 is threadedlyreceived by threads 36 on the external end of the supply pipe 31.

Liquid, supplied by pipe 31 passes, via channel 28, inward around theannual reservoirs 29 and is forced radially inwardly toward the centralaxis β of the nozzle 20 through the thin annular opening 32 betweenblock 27 and nozzle member 26. The liquid is then swept along the wallof passageway 21 and air passing through a central hole 30 aligned withpassageway 21 thus entrains this liquid by sheering it as the liquidemerges radially inwardly and progressively is moved along the insidesurface of the passageway 21 by the air and the liquid is furthersheered, as it emerges from passageway 21, by the inwardly directedsecondary air which tangentially emerges from passageways 19 and engagesthe stream of primary air and liquid to impart, a swirling motiondirected by the vanes 25. Hence, a thoroughly commingled mixture ofliquid and air emerges along axis β as a fog in a vortex from the mouthof front plate 37.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that ultra low volumesof liquid can thus be quite accurately progressively delivered to andadmixed with a large volume of air emerging progressively from thenozzle 20. The air and liquid is so thoroughly mixed that it emerges asa fog or aerosol from nozzle 20, the liquid being uniformly dispersed inthe air and having an average partial size of between about 5 micronsand about 50 microns.

As shown in FIG. 1, the uppermost housing 11, be it simply a singlehousing 11 or the topmost of a large number of stacked or tandemarranged housings 11, is provided with an accumulator or gravity tankassembly 40 mounted on this uppermost housing 11. This accumulatory tankassembly 40 has an accumulator or gravity tank 41 which is closed at itsbottom portion by a bottom plate 42 and closed at its top portion by topplate 43. The bottom plate 42 is circular and protrudes radiallyoutwardly beyond tank 41, being of a diameter equal to approximately thediameter of flange 12b. This bottom plate 42 is concentrically receivedon the flange 12b of the uppermost housing 11 and the outer peripheralportion of the bottom plate 42 is bolted by means of bolts 39 to theflange 12b of the uppermost housing 11.

The top plate 43 is provided with a normally open upstanding breatherand overflow breather tube 44. Tube 44 enables the tank 41 to be filledwithout building up air pressure in the tank 41 and also provides anoverflow, in the event that the tank 41 is overfilled. The distal endportion of tube 44 is inverted and U-shaped and the proximal end portionextends downwardly to terminal in a fitting 45 which is threadedlyreceived in the central top portion of top plate 43. Thus, tube 44permits air to enter the tank 41 and be exhausted from the tank 41 asthe liquid is either supplied to the tank or withdrawn from the tank 41.

In FIG. 1, a storage tank 50 is depicted schematically, the storage tank50 is substantially larger than tank 41 so that it may supply severaltanks, such as tank 40. Tank 50 has a discharge pipe 51 which leads tothe suction side of a metering pump 52. A motor 53 drives the meteringpump 52 for discharging the liquid treatment chemicals into a supplyline or conduit 54. This supply line 54 discharges into a centralportion of the accumulator tank 41 through an appropriate port in theside of tank 41.

Above the discharge end of the line 54, is a second overflow pipe ortube 55 which communicates with the upper portion of tank 41 below theoverflow/breather tube 44. This overflow tube or pipe 55 leads back intothe tank 50 so that any excess liquid which is pumped up to accumulatortank 41 is returned to the storage tank 50. At the bottom portion oftank 41 is a drain pipe 56 provided with a cut-off valve 57 which, inturn, is connected to a return line or tube 58, leading to the storagetank 50. When the cut-off valve 57 is opened, substantially all theliquid in accumulator tank 41 will be returned to the storage and 50 bygravity.

Adjacent to the bottom plate 42, the cylindrical tank 41 is providedwith a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced discharge ports 46,each of which is surrounded by an internally threaded collar 47. Each ofthe collars 46 threadedly receives a coupling, such as coupling 48 seenin FIG. 1, this coupling, in turn receiving a cap 49 which connects oneend of a supply tube 50a to the coupling 48. The other end of the tube50a is provided with a second cap 51 connected to a coupling 52 which,in turn, is threadedly received in one end of a pressure needle valve53.

The pressure needle valve 53, in turn, is connected to a threaded end ofa liquid supply pipe, such as pipe 31 seen in FIG. 2. Thus, when liquidis supplied to the tank 41, it will flow by gravity into the nozzles 20and thence be entrained in the primary air passing centrally through thepassageway 21 of the nozzle 20 and then can be further intermixed withthe swirling secondary air introduced by veins 25, the mixture thencepassing out into the atmosphere. Hence, all of the contaminated air orgases passing through a pipe 15 and thence into the nozzle 20, isthoroughly commingled with the swirling air emerging from the nozzle 20so that droplets of the treatment liquid are disbursed progressivelyinto the emerging air for generating a fog in which the droplets of thetreatment liquid have a particle size of 5 microns and about 50 microns.

The tubes 50a, which lead from the lowermost discharge ports 46, areconnected to the lowermost nozzles 20 which are circumferentially spacedaround the periphery of the housing 11 and inclined at about 45° to thehorizontal.

Above the ports 46 are a second group of circumferentially equallyspaced upper discharge ports 60, each having a collar 61 surrounding theport 60. The discharge ports 46 are spaced circumferentiallyapproximately 45° from each other so that there are generally about 8ports around the lowermost portion of the tank 41. In like fashion, theupper ports 60, the axes of which are in a horizontal plane,respectively disposed immediately above the ports 46 are arrangedapproximately 45° from each other and vertically i.e., axially alignedwith ports 46, respectively.

Each of the collars 61 receives an appropriate fitting 62 communicatingwith a tube 63, which in turn, communicates with a relief valve 64connected to the supply pipe 31 of a nozzle 20a. Nozzle 20a is mountedan a 45° incline by an elbow 16a carried by a nozzle supporting duct 15awhich protrudes horizontally from collar 14 of the uppermost housing 11.The difference between the supply duct 15a and the duct 15 is that theduct 15 is longer than the duct 15a so as to space the nozzle 20aradially inwardly toward the vertical axis α of the assembly 40, withrespect to the nozzle 20. Hence, pairs of nozzles 20 and 20a dischargethe mixture of air and liquid in progressively expanding cones alongparallel axes β at inclines of about 45° upwardly and outwardly.

At the upper peripheral portions of each housing 11 there are providedcircumferentially spaced air discharge ports 70 which are respectivelyarranged above the ports 13 and circumferentially spaced from each otherby about 45°. These ports 70 are circumscribed by collars 71 on thehousing 11. Each collar 71 threadedly receives a horizontally outwardlyextending, radially positioned conduit or duct 72 which is threaded atboth ends, one end being threadedly received by the collar 71 and theother end being provided with a reducers 73 from which protrudes arelief valve such as valve 74 or 74a. The relief valves 74 and 74a arerespectively disposed above each of the nozzles 20 and 20a, so that, inthe event of an unusually high pressure of the gases, i.e., air, withinthe confines of the housings 11, the relief valves 74, 74a will beopened so as to respectively discharge the air or gases outwardly inradially horizontal directions, respectively above the upturned nozzles20, 20a. Thus, should abnormally high pressure be generated within thestack 7 and within chamber of the housings 11, the air or gas will bebled off and commingle with the emerging vortexices of fog dischargedfrom the nozzles 20 and 20a.

Each nozzle 20 or 20a, as the case may be, is thus provided with its ownassociated relief valve 74 or 74a so that any air, which is bled throughthe relief valves 74, 74a, almost immediately commingle with the vortexof fog emerging from the nozzle 20 or 20a. In any event, substantiallyall of the contaminated gases or air emerging through the relief valves74, 74 will be subjected to swirling uniform amounts of minute particlesof treatment liquid.

By arranging the upper tube 63 to be shorter than the tube 50, thepressure drop across the longer tube 50 will be greater than thepressure drop along the shorter tube 63 and the pressure head on theliquid which will travel through tube 50 is greater than the pressurehead on the tube 63, the difference in the lengths of tubes will tend toequalize the amount of liquid delivered to the nozzles 20 and 20a,respectively, due to the throttling affect which will cause a pressuredrop on the liquid in the longer tube. In any event, each nozzle 20 canbe adjusted so as to deliver a prescribed amount of liquid by adjustingneedle valve 53 or 72.

In FIG. 3, a modified form of the present invention is illustrated. Themodule 110 employed in this illustration is identical to the module 10illustrated in FIG. 1. This module 110, briefly described, includes ahousing 111 having ducts 115 which protrude radially from the lowerportion of the housing 111. Each duct 115 is provided with a 45° elbow116 so that it supports nozzles 120, the axes of which are at 45° so asto discharge their respective fogs upwardly and outwardly from thehousing 111.

The relief valves 174 are disposed above and adjacent to the peripheryof nozzles 120 so as to discharge air or gases, vented from the housing111, into the fog stream emerging from its associated nozzle 120. Eachof the relief valves 174 is supported by a tube or pipe 172 whichprotrudes from the upper portion of the housing 111. As in theembodiment of FIG. 1, these pipes 172 protrude radially outwardly andfrom the housing 111 and are arranged at about 45° from each other, theaxes of these pipes 172 being disposed in a common horizontal radialplane above the common radial plane of the axes of pipes 115.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the housing 111 is provided with a flatdisc shape or circular cap 140 secured by bolts 139 to the upper flange112b of the housing 111. The lower flange 112a of the housing 111 issecured by bolts 109 to a flat annular plate 108 mounted on the upperend of a contaminated air discharge duct, smoke stack or chimney 107.This housing 111, therefore, receives the discharge of all stack gasesfrom stack or chimney 107. Thence, these stack gases sub-divide to passto the various nozzles 120 and are again subdivided by each nozzle 120,as described above.

For introducing liquid to the nozzles 120 so that this liquid is admixedwith the emerging stack gases, a metering pump (not shown but identicalto pump 53) delivers treatment liquids, via supply tube or pipe 154, toa tee connector 180. The liquid, delivered to the tee connector 180,feeds to a circular manifold 185 having tubes 181, tee connectors 181182a and 182b, etc. Liquid is delivered in a circular path from teeconnectors 182a and 182b via tubes 183a and 183b so as to pass throughthe loop of tubes and connectors forming manifold 185 and supply eachnozzle 120. Manifold 185 thus supplies all of the nozzles 120 withtreatment liquid so that each nozzle 120 has approximately the sameamount of liquid being delivered for admixing with the emerging gasesdischarged from the nozzles 120. Any build-up of pressure within thestack 107 which is closed off by the housing 111 and plate 140 will, ofcourse, be discharged through the relief valves 174 for admixture withthe emerging fog from the respective nozzles 120.

The metering pump, (not shown) such as pump 53 can regulate the pressurein the closed loop manifold so as to control the amount of liquid beingdelivered to the nozzles 120. Needle valves, such as needle valve 53 or72, control the amount of liquid delivered by each nozzle.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, still another embodiment of the present invention isdisclosed. This embodiment is used preferably when the treatmentformulation is to be premixed immediately prior to being delivered tothe nozzles. In more detail, the structure shown in FIG. 5 includes ahollow tubular housing 211 which is elongated along its upright axis δ,the housing 221 preferable being mounted on the upper end of an air ductor smoke stack (not shown).

Protruding radially from a lower portion of the housing 211 are aplurality of circumferentially equally spaced lower nozzle support ducts215. Each nozzle support duct 215 is provided at its distal end with anozzle 220 which is identical to the nozzle 20. Each nozzle 220 isarranged coaxially with its support pipe 215 so as to direct the foggenerated by the nozzle 220 horizontally radially outwardly. Above theducts 215 a second group of circumferentially spaced radially protrudingpipes, or ducts 215a, respectively support the outwardly facing nozzles220a arranged so as to direct the fog from nozzles 220a in horizontaldirections radiating outwardly. It will be seen in FIG. 5 that the ducts215a are circumferentially staggered with respect to the ducts 215 sothat the nozzles 220a direct the fog in a direction 45°circumferentially from the fog of nozzles 220.

Above the plane of the axis of the ducts 215a are a plurality ofadditional nozzles supporting ducts 215b which, likewise, are staggeredwith respect to the ducts 215a, thereby disposing the radially outwardlydischarging nozzles 220b, which are supported by the ducts 215b,vertically above the nozzles 220. Above these group of ducts 215b areadditional array of ducts 215c and then another array of duct 220c, alsostaggered with respect to the ducts 215b so as to dispose the nozzles220c which they carry, above the nozzles 220a staggered with respect tothe nozzles 220b, etc.

It will be understood that, while FIG. 5 illustrates horizontallydirected nozzles arranged 90° from each other in each group of nozzles220, 220a, 220b and 220c, any practical number of nozzles may bearranged in successive layers, and be pointed in any desired direction.

Helically wound around the housing 211 is a liquid supply tube orconduit 254 which is provided with a lower coupling 254a and an uppercoupling 254b. Also, helically wound around the exterior of the housing211 is a second supply tube or conduit 250 which feeds to appropriatebranch supply tubes 256, and thence to adjacent pairs of nozzles 220c,220b, 220a and 220, respectively, the supply tubes 256 extendinggenerally horizontally toward the nozzles 220, other supply tubes (notshown) supply liquids to the remaining nozzles 220, 220a, 220b, and220c.

It will be understood that two or more modules 200 as seen in FIG. 5 maybe stacked one on top the other with the coupling 250b being connectedto additional supply lines which run along the outer periphery of thenext module.

In FIG. 5, the module 200 has a diametrically opposed notches 257 at itsupper end to receive L-shaped brackets 357 seen in FIG. 4, as thehousing 311, which carries these brackets 357, is slid over and slightlyoverlaps the upper end portion of housing 211. For this purpose thehousing 311 is of a slightly larger diameter so that the inside diameterof the hollow cylindrical housing 311 is approximately equal to theoutside diameter of the housing 211 and so as to permit a snugoverlapping of the two elements when the housing 311 is installed onhousing 211.

Carried by the upper end portion of the housing 311 of FIG. 4 is amixing tank 341. The housing 311 and the mixing tank 340 are concentricand separated by a metal plate partition 305. The mixing tank 341 is ahollow cylindrical member having a flat top 343 which closes the upperportion of the tank 341. An upstanding overflow pipe 344 and an overflowreservoir 345 is provided on top 343 communicating with the top of thechamber of tank 341. If the reservoir is overfilled, a valve inreservoir 345 is opened to let liquid spill out through the spout 346.

Coupled by coupling 254b to supply tube 254 is a supply tube 354 whichleads to one side of the tank 341 so as to introduce into tank 341,metered quantities of a particular liquid which forms one of theingredients to be mixed. Additional ingredients are introduced throughadditional supply tubes, such as tube 354a, which has a separatemetering system feeding to it. The two liquids are progressively mixedin the mixing tank 340 and then discharged from a discharge tube 350,which is connected, via the fitting 250b to the tube 350a deliveringliquid from tank 341 via tube 350a to tube 385 and tube 250b, shown inFIG. 5. The module 300 thus far described has at least one group ofcircumferentially spaced radially protruding pipes or ducts 315, theends of which are provided respectively with 90° elbows 316, each ofwhich supports a nozzle 320. The mixed liquid is delivered via ring 365to nozzles 320 is supplied from the tank 341 via 350a to a distributionmanifold ring 385 which circumscribes the central portion of the housing311 in concentric fashion so as to feed inwardly to the nozzles 320, asillustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, liquid from the tank 341 is fed to thenozzles 320 and is also supplied to the nozzles 220, 220a, 220b and220c, therebelow, via tube 250.

Above the horizontally disposed nozzles 320 are a plurality of reliefvalves 374, which discharge any excess contaminated air or gases in thestack, in the event that pressure is built above a prescribed limit.These nozzles 374 are carried by reducers 373 which are connected topipes or ducts 372 the proximal ends of which communicate with theinterior of the housing 311. These tubes 372 protrude respectivelyradially outwardly above the tubes or pipes 315. Thus, any excess stackgases or air will be discharged into the emerging stream or vortex ofthe fog being generated by the nozzles 320, respectively.

It will be observed in the broken away portion of FIG. 4 that the pipes,such as pipe 315, may be cut at an angle of about 45° so that the innerend portions of the pipe 315 act as a scoop to direct the stream of airoutwardly.

It will be understood that a separate metering pump (not shown) similarto the metering pump 53 is required for each component of the treatmentformulation which is mixed in the mixing tank 340. The metering pumps,such as pump 52 and its motor 53 are preferably LECO ASP-40 meteringpumps which are capable of delivering from 0 to 60 fl. oz. per min. Ifnecessary, a metering pump such as the LECO ASP-80, can be utilizedwhich has a flow rate from 0 to 120 fl. oz. per min. Both pumps aresupplied by Lowndes Engineering Company of Valdosta, Ga.

Usually the stack gases or air stream generated for passing into thehousings 111, 211, and 311 should have a positive pressure from point0.5 PSI to about 125 PSI. The amount of pressure within each stackshould be determined by the number and requirements of the nozzles, suchas nozzles 20, 120, 220, 320, etc., so as to provide an adequate amountof treatment liquids to the air streams. Any increase in capacity, whichmay be required simply entails the providing of additional modules tothe stack. Since the nozzles 20 operate at a lower pressure than therelief valves, the relief valves will always discharge into a flow orvortex of treated air affluent from the adjacent nozzles. This flow willallow some treatment by residual chemicals contained within the liquidparticles of fog from adjacent nozzles and will allow the venting airstream which passes through the relief valves to be further defused withcountercurrent treatment air flow.

The liquid reservoirs which are provided at the top of the stacks suchas tanks 41 and 341, provide an adequate flow to each of the nozzles 20,120, 220, and 320, as the case may be. Each nozzle, however, usually hasan individual needle valve for regulating the amount of liquid whichwill be fed to a prescribed amount of air.

In the operation of the embodiments described above, usually, from about0.25 psia to about 10 psia air pressure in the duct or stack 7 isrequired in order to deliver the contaminated air to all of the nozzles20. The nozzles 20 are preferable capable of delivering about 600 CFMoptimum and between about 200 CFM and about 1,000 CFM. Usually, fromabout 1/2 gallon per hour to about 10 gallons per hour of treatmentliquid is delivered to each of the nozzles, depending upon theparticular liquid and contaminated air or gas which is mixed. When dustcontrol is being carried out using water, about 10 gallons of water perhour is preferable supplied to each nozzle 20. Thus, from about 32milliliters per minute to about 685 milliliters per minute of liquid isdelivered to each nozzle. When 600 CFM of contaminated air is deliveredby each nozzle, usually about 380 milliliters of fluid is employed.

The fog which is generated contains a mean particle size of betweenabout 5 microns and about 50 microns, in the fog as delivered to theatmosphere. Where the system or apparatus of the present invention isfor dust control, usually a particle size of about 50 microns isdesirable.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 is illustrated a modified form of a nozzle which can besubstituted for the nozzles 20, 20a, 120 and 320. In more detail, thenozzle 520 of this embodiment is fitted on the end of an air duct, suchas duct 515. A sleeve 510 holds the nozzle 520 in place on duct 515.Sleeve 510 has an internal annular shoulder 511 which abuts the end ofduct 515 when one end of sleeve 510 is received on the end of duct 515.Sleeve 510 is welded in place as by weld 508. The outer end of sleeve510 receives an "O" ring 514, against shoulder 511 receives the proximalend of a nozzle housing 512 of the nozzle 520. The proximal end portionsof nozzle 520 is provided with a peripheral groove which iscircumferentially aligned with a pair of set screws or bolts 513 whichare arranged at 90° circumferentially from each other and protrudethrough and are threadedly received in appropriate holes in the sleeve510. The set screws 513 thus protrude into the circumferential groove ofthe housing 512 so as to lock nozzle 520 in place and prevent outwardmovement of the nozzle 520 and yet permit the nozzle 520 to be rotated,when screws 513 are loosened.

Housing 512 is generally cylindrical about axis γ and has a cylindricalhollow interior from its inner or proximal end to its forward or distalend. Both ends of housing 512 are open, forming an air or gas passageway507 through which contaminated air or gas from duct 515 passes. Thedistal end of housing 512 forms a discharge mouth 509 for the nozzle520.

Intermediate its ends, the housing 512 is of increased external diameterand is provided with three circumferentially equally spaced, internallythreaded. holes which respectively receive centering screws 516, screws516 protruding through these holes and into the interior of the passage507 of nozzle 520. Disposed along the longitudinal axis γ is a centralnozzle member 517, having a body 519 which has a central passageway 523.therethrough. The body 519 has a radially extending flat rear portion519a and a frustoconical inwardly tapering front portion 518. Thecentral passageway 523 is defined by three different, progressivelysmaller diameter walls and receives a core 530 having a flat rearsurface which is in a common radial plane with the flat rear surface519a.

The core 530 has a central passageway 531 defined by an initialcylindrical wall with a flaring, conically shaped, distal inner surface522, thereby forming a venturi through which a primary portion of thecontaminated air or gases, entering the central portion of nozzle 520,pass.

Bolts 516, which are circumferentially disposed at 120° from each other,are threadedly received by the housing 512 and protrude inwardly to formsupports which center the nozzle member 517 concentrically with respectto the housing 512.

The outer peripheral surface of core 530 has an annular flange 530aforming a shoulder which arrests the inward movement of core 530 intothe nozzle body 519 so that the intermediate portions of body 519 andcore define, therebetween, an annular reservoir 521, surrounding thecentral portion of core 530. The annular reservoir 521, at its proximalend, communicates with a discharge annular orifice 535 formed betweenthe distal end of core 530 and the wall, defining passageway 523.

A liquid feed pipe 534, which passes radially through the housing 512,is treadedly received in body 519 so that pipe 534 terminates incommunication with reservoir 521. Liquid is supplied to feed pipe 534 bya supply tube such as tube 50a.

Surrounding the distal portion and central portions of housing 512, isan outer cylindrical jacket 525 which is welded by its proximal end toenlarge portions of the housing 512, thereby defining a tertiary annularpassage 528 for air or gas. The distal end of jacket 525 terminates inan annular baffle 526 which extends inwardly over the distal end ofhousing 512, the baffle 526 being spaced from the end of housing 512 toprovide an annular discharge opening 506, immediately in front of thedistal end of housing 512. The annular passage 528 surrounding the mainpassage 507. Ports 529 in housing 512 communicates with the inner orproximal end of passage 528 and the central portion of passage 507.

The jacket 525, baffle 526, housing 512, nozzle member 517, sleeve 510and duct 515 are concentric about axis γ.

In the operation of nozzle 520, the contaminated air or gases from duct515 pass along axis γ into housing 512 from right to left in FIG. 6, andthe liquid is delivered, under pressure, from pipe 534 to the reservoir521. A portion of the contaminated air or gases or the central primarygas stream pass along axis γ through the central venturi of nozzlemember 517 and progressively entrain the liquid, which passes out of theannular orifice 535. The remainder of the air or gases pass between thenozzle member 517 and the housing 512, and into the straightunobstructed portion of passage 507 as a secondary gas stream, theprimary air stream being commingled, therewith, in the vicinity ofdistal or the discharge end of nozzle member 517. These commingled gasstreams then pass out of the mouth 509 of passage 507. Any liquiddroplets which are thrown to the inner surface of housing 512 aredirected inwardly at mouth 509 by the tertiary gas stream originatingfrom gas passing through ports 529, then along passage 528 to bedirected inwardly toward axis γ to be mixed with the gases and liquiddroplets in the commingled gases and any liquid dropping out of throat509.

In the use of nozzle 20, 20a, 120, 320, and 520, it may be founddesirable to employ noise abatement equipment to reduce the noisecreated by the passage of gases through the nozzles. This noise is amixture of frequencies, many of them being in the high audio frequencyrange. To accomplish this abatement, it may be found desirable toinstall a noise blanker assembly containing a microphone 540 or othertransducer installed in the housing 512, to pick up the noise signalsand transfer them to a noise blanker 541 which shifts the audio noisefrequencies by about 180° and transmits the same to a a loud speaker 542mounted adjacent to one or several of the nozzles.

The apparatuses of the present invention are capable of using any of alarge variety of deodorizers, neutralizers, disinfectants, scrubbers,scavengers and other fluids which are admixed with the emerging stackgases, exhaust fumes or air in the ducts or stacks. Utilizing theapparatuses of the present invention, air streams containing the toxicodorous gases are treated with appropriate chemicals, as the nozzles 20,20a, 120, 220, 220a, 220b, 220c, thoroughly and progressively admixthese appropriate chemicals usually in liquid form with the contaminatedgases so as to produce a fog from each of the nozzles so that thechemicals are homogeneously mixed throughout the air or gas stream as itemerges.

The particle size of the liquid which is discharged along with the airis sufficiently small that the liquid can be maintained in the ambientair an appreciable length of time for the appropriate reactions to takeplace.

Various fluids can be utilized including masking agents which areproducts of dominant odors which cover the oxious or odorous gases witha more pleasant smell. The resulting aroma commonly displays hints ofboth odors. Such masking agents are usually oil based products andshould be selected so as to be safe and effective.

Olfactory desensitizers can also admixed with the emerging gases. Theseproducts numb the nose as a method of odor neutralization. Odordesensitizers are used for low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide,mercaptans (methyl, ethyl and butyl), butyric acid, etc.

Air disinfectants, such as is commonly used in the home can be used asthe fluid in the present invention. Such disinfectants are usually acombination of alcohol, chlorine or ammonia and non-functional fillersand fragrances. Such disinfectants have a definite function of bothdestroying some bacteria and also reducing or removing the odor from theemerging gases. Since the stacks are quite high up in the air,relatively toxic air disinfectants can be used without danger of highdosages to humans or farm or domestic animals.

Microbiological odor neutralizers can also be employed in the systemshere disclosed. These microbiological compounds are used to breakdownodor-causing substances while they are in solution. The use of air bornemicrobes to remove odor within the air is not typically viable since thenutrients, that are needed to breakdown the compounds, are not readilyavailable in the air. Most aerobic microbial reactions requirephosphates, nitrates and oxygen. Compounds providing these radicals andelement can be premixed with the microbiological in tank 340. The use ofmicrobial products including packaged bacteria and liquid, freeze-driedproducts mixed with air (fluid) or bran solutions or the addition ofenzymes to feed the normally present bacteria can be used as the fluidin the present invention to reduce or modify odors. Hydrogen sulfide,frequently a source of odor complaints, can be reduced to broken down byproper use of bioaugmentation, using the structure of the presentinvention.

Essences of oils can also be used in liquid form to deodorize in thepresent invention. Aerobic fragrances from living plants can be used inthe present invention. In other words, odor modification chemicals canbe admixed with the emerging odorous gases using the present apparatusand form less objectionable fragrances. In a loose bond, sometimesreferred to as Van der Washs forces, the compounds cling together. Thenew substances do not have the same effect as either compound would,individually, on the olfactory senses. Products such as limonene andeucalyptus are fragrances which in liquid solution can be combined withthe emerging gases utilizing the apparatus of the present invention.

Odor manipulators can also be used in liquid form in the presentinvention. One example of this is a solution containing jasmine inliquid to treat odorous skatole compounds in the contaminated air,thereby converging them into a pleasant smelling jasmine. This isaccomplished by taking advantage of the carbon-hydrogen componentscontained within the jasmine scent and not in the skatole odor, thejasmine being carried in a liquid form and sprayed into the emerginggases containing the skatole.

Polymerized odor neutralizers can also be utilized in the structure ofthe present invention. This concept introduces large complex moleculescarried by the liquid into the contaminated air to combine with theodorous compounds, tying them up. Sulfacted polyethylene amine, forexample, can be carried in a liquid and will remove hydrogen sulfide.Such a procedure, however, should be used with caution since thesulfacted polyethylene amines are toxic and provides slippery surfaces.Many other polymers in solutions can also be used. Odor neutralizers canbe used in the present system. Such odor neutralizers are products thatchemically change odor compounds by oxidation or reduction reactions.Most odor neutralizers are liquid and can be disbursed or diluted inother liquids and thus utilized with the present apparatus. Aqueoussodium hydroxide solution, aqueous potassium permanganate solution,chlorine bleach solution, ferrous sulfate solution, ferrous chloridesolution, hydrogen peroxide solution, acidic acid solution, are a few ofthe most common odor neutralizers which can be used in the presentinvention. These compounds may be hazardous to use, however, they dotypically have a disastrous affect on the microbes within thecontaminated air.

Acidic acid is the least volatile of the odor neutralizers and can beutilized in the system of the present invention for odor control. The pHof this product and its reaction to concrete may be of concern. Gaseousozone (O₃) can be used as a fluid in place of liquids. Ozone is usefulboth for odor control and as an antimicrobial when admixed with thecontaminated air. Ozone, however, is another product that has itsdrawbacks since it corrodes metal and may cause respiratory problems forthose exposed to the vapors. Ozone will react with a specific toxicchemical so as to neutralize the odor.

Odor absorbers are also capable of being used in the apparatus of thepresent invention.

Odor suppressants which reduce the overall level of odor to anunnoticeable or more tolerant level can be utilized in the presentinvention. These compounds are usually a combination of essence oils andfragrance compounds. The methods of combining a plurality of these oilsthroughout a solution rather than the specific compounds themselves aretypically the subject of trade secret products. These products can befound as an emulsion or as a solution, either of which is capable ofbeing used in the present invention. It is preferably, however, to use atrue solution, rather than an emulsion. If an emulsion is used in thepresent invention, agitators (not shown) may be need in the main tank 50and also in the accumulator tanks, such as tank 41 and 340 to keep thematerial in suspension.

When fragrance compounds are utilized, they should be highly disbursedin a liquid carrying agent. Sulfactants can be utilized in diluting thefragrances. The odor suppressants operate best when the particle size ofthe liquid is as fine as is reasonable. Indeed, water alone can beutilized in the present invention and will remove some odors or dust.

The liquid reservoirs created at the tops of the stacks by the tanks 40and 340 will provide a sufficient head so that most liquids will flow bygravity to the nozzles 20, 20a, 320.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations maybe made in the embodiments here chosen for the purpose of illustratingthe present invention with departing from the scope thereof as definedby the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for admixing treatment fluids withcontaminated gases, comprising:(a) a main duct through which said gasespass, said main duct having a discharge end; (b) a plenum chamber atsaid discharge end of said main duct, said plenum chamber having ahollow interior into which said gases travel; (c) nozzle meanscommunicating with said plenum chamber for substantially closing saidplenum chamber, said nozzle means having passageway means through whichsaid gases from said plenum chamber sweep at an increased velocity andthen are progressively discharged into the atmosphere; (d) a conduitthrough which said treatment fluid is directed into said nozzle meansand thence into said passageway means for being progressively picked upand mixed with said gases as the gases sweep through said passagewaymeans, the nozzle means producing a mixing of substantially all of saidtreatment fluid into said gases and progressively discharges the samefrom said nozzle means as finely divided droplets dispersed in saidcontaminated gases; and (e) means for affixing said plenum chamber tothe end of said main duct for receiving said gases.
 2. The apparatusdefined in claim 1 wherein said nozzle is provided with a reservoirsurrounding said passageway means and an annular orifice between saidreservoir and said passageway means for directing said fluid inwardlythrough said orifice into said passageway means, for mixing with saidcontaminated air and for being discharged as a mixture from the end ofsaid passageway means.
 3. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein saidpassageway means is a central passageway through which a portion of saidgases pass, said nozzle means include a secondary passageway throughwhich another portion of said gases pass, said secondary passagewaydirecting said air inwardly for admixing with the gases and treatmentfluid emerging from said passageway for thereby imparting a swirlingaction to said gases and treatment fluid as they emerge from saidpassageway means.
 4. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said fluidis a liquid, said apparatus including a pump for delivering said liquidto said conduit.
 5. The apparatus defined in claim 1 including anaccumulator tank mounted on said plenum chamber and wherein said conduitcommunicates with said accumulator tank for receiving said liquid fromsaid accumulator tank and for delivering said liquid in a downwarddirection by gravity through said conduit and into said nozzle.
 6. Theapparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said nozzle means includes aplurality of nozzles disposed in circumferential spaced relationshiparound said plenum chamber for directing said mixture radially away fromsaid plenum chamber in a plurality of circumferentially spaceddirections.
 7. An apparatus for admixing treatment liquid with stackgases, comprising:(a) an upstanding stack through which stack gases arepassed toward its upper end for being discharged into the atmosphere;(b) a housing disposed over said upper end of said stack for providing aplenum chamber for receiving said stack gases; (c) a plurality ofnozzles disposed in spaced relationship around said housing, saidnozzles being adapted to admix air and a liquid; (d) ducts supported ingenerally cantilever fashion by said plenum chamber for communicatingwith said plenums chamber and respectively communicating with saidnozzles for simultaneously delivering said stack gases to said nozzlesso that said stack gases are directed through said nozzles and aredischarged into the atmosphere; (e) conduits respectively connected tosaid nozzles; (f) a source of liquid; and (g) means for delivering saidliquid to said conduits and thence to said stack gases passing throughsaid nozzles for being uniformly mixed, as the stack gases and liquidemerge from said nozzle.
 8. The apparatus defined in claim 7 whereinsaid nozzles are fog generators which generate fog from said liquid andgases as said liquid and gases emerge.
 9. The apparatus defined in claim7 wherein said ducts have passages and said nozzles each has a centralpassageway substantially smaller than the passage of the duct andthrough which said gases are directed outward along an axis, each ofsaid nozzles directing the liquid inwardly toward said axis of saidcentral passage for progressively admixing with said stack gases saidpassageway and wherein said nozzles are disposed circumferentiallyaround said housing so as to direct said gases outwardly from saidhousing in a plurality of directions.
 10. The apparatus defined in claim7 including an accumulator tank mounted on said housing, said pumpdelivering liquid to said accumulator tank and said conduits deliveringliquid from said accumulator tank to said nozzles, said nozzles beingdisposed below said accumulator tank.
 11. An apparatus for treatingcontaminated gases emerging from a stack with a treatment liquidcomprising:(a) a plenum chamber for receiving said contaminated gasesunder pressure from said stack; (b) a duct having a proximal endcommunicating with said plenum chamber and a distal end; (c) a nozzleextending across substantially the entire said distal end andcommunicating with said duct, said nozzle being of the type capable ofprogressively admixing small quantities of liquid with said gases; (d) asource of treatment liquid capable of treating said contaminated gases;and (e) delivery means for delivering said treatment liquid to saidnozzle whereby said nozzle causes said gases and said liquid to beprogressively admixed for discharging from said nozzle as a stream offog.
 12. The apparatus defined in claim 11 wherein gases in said plenumchamber have a pressure of from about 0.5 psia to about 125 psia. 13.The apparatus defined in claim 11 including additional ductscommunicating with said plenum chamber, additional nozzles respectivelyconnected to said additional ducts, and additional conduitscommunicating with said delivery means and respectively to saidadditional nozzles, said additional nozzles being spaced from each otherand from said nozzle for respectively individually mixing separateportions of said gases and liquid and for respectively discharging themixed liquid and gases from said additional nozzles as individualadditional streams of fog.
 14. The apparatus defined in claim 13 whereineach of said nozzles and said nozzle respective admix from approximately32 milliliters per minute to approximately 685 milliliters per minute ofliquid with said gases passing through that nozzle.
 15. The apparatusdefined in claim 13 wherein said ducts and said nozzles are spacedradially around said plenum chamber.
 16. The apparatus defined in claim15 including relief valves adjacent to said nozzles for discharginggases from said plenum chamber directly into said streams of fog.
 17. Amethod for applying treatment fluid to a contaminated air stream forchanging the condition of the contaminates in the air streamcomprising:(a) progressively passing said contaminated air stream underpressure along a prescribed path; (b) separating said air stream into aplurality of separate individual contaminated air streams; (c)increasing the velocity of said individual contaminated air streams bypassing said individual contaminated air streams through individualpassageways; (d) progressively introducing into said individual airstreams, minute quantities of said treatment fluid for producingseparate admixtures of fluid and gases; and (e) directing the separateadmixtures of fluid and gases into the atmosphere along individualpaths.
 18. The method defined in claim 17 in which said treatment fluidis a liquid.
 19. The method defined in claim 17 in which step (d)includes directing said fluid generally radially inwardly into saidindividual passageways as said individual air streams pass alongrespective passageways.
 20. The method defined in claim 17 wherein saidseparate admixtures are respectively discharged as individual fogstreams.
 21. The method defined in claim 17 wherein said liquid isreacted with said contaminates after said liquid and contaminated gasare admixed.
 22. The method defined in claim 17 wherein said treatmentliquid is water and said contaminate is dust.
 23. The method defined inclaim 17 wherein said liquid is selected from the group consisting ofodor manipulators, odor neutralizers, marking agents, olfactoryDesensitizers, air disinfectants, essence of oil, odor absorbers andorder suppressants.
 24. The method defined in claim 17 includingimparting a swirling motion to each of said admixtures as it emergesfrom its individual path into the atmosphere.
 25. The method defined inclaim 24 wherein the step of imparting a swirling motion to said airstreams includes respectively subdividing said individual air streamsinto a plurality of subdivided air streams prior to step (d), passingone subdivided portion of said air stream along a path in which step (d)is performed on one subdivided portion, passing the other subdividedportion along a separate path and directing said other portion towardsaid one portion for commingling with said admixture and for impartingthe swirling motion to the commingled admixture.